Reenacting in this heat?!

[Bonny Blue Flag]

How do the reenactors dress for the current weather conditions? Are there changes in schedules for battles/breaks to avoid heat related illness? Are ice angels now in abundance? Here in Dallas is 106, in Phoenix where my brother works out of, 115!

What precautions do you take?

--BBF

 

[RedRover]

At that level, lots of water (at least a gallon or two on hand per day).

No coat or jacket...

Liddell's brigade, reviewed by Generals Cleburne and Hardee in 1863:

Oliver Norton Wilcox, 83rd Pennsylvania, 1862:

In recent years our summer drills have demonstrated that some young recruits are for some reason averse to drinking copious amounts of water, but an hour of drill in the sun makes it obvious. We make all bring a cup, and we fill it several times to ensure that we are not interrupted by anyone passing out. Those who don't want to water up can join another group.

 

[Rhea Cole]

In 95 degree plus temps & 115 degree heat index even nudist colonists stay in the A.C.

 

[captaindrew]

Lots of water, not just at the event but leading up to it. When you know it's going to be hot you have to prepare for it. I've said many times in other discussions but I can't stress how important it is to get outside and get some excersise during the heat of the day. I work outside so it doesn't phase me as much but if you're inside in the AC all week then put on a full kit in the heat you're going to melt. I can't stress how helpful a good brisk walk outdoors every day is, not just for being more comfortable reenacting but your health in general. It is tough on newer members in the heat but once you've done it long enough you know what to expect and how to prepare.

 

[captaindrew]

And most events held during hot weather do adjust schedules, try to avoid doing much during the heat of mid day. As far as dress goes, and some might think I'm crazy, but if you have good quality garments they will breathe and aren't horribly uncomfortable. Some of the cheaper heavy blanket wool uniforms are horrible in the heat. That and it's good being a Reb in the heat. Light colored jean clothe is certainly not as hot as dark blue flannel, can attest from experience wearing both.

 

[bayonet]

Stay hydrated and don't go to high temperature events if your over 50 (forget about being in your 70s) so you don't become that guy that everyone has to babysit when you become a heat casualty!

 

[Bonny Blue Flag]

I recall being given a salt tablet every day during Girl Scout day camps in the summer.

--BBF

 

[captaindrew]

Stay hydrated and don't go to high temperature events if your over 50 (forget about being in your 70s) so you don't become that guy that everyone has to babysit when you become a heat casualty!

Well I'm in the over 50 club now (just over) and want to keep going as long as I'm healthy enough to do it, and no I don't want to be that guy. It's my motivation to keep myself in somewhat good shape and hopefully set an example to some of the younger guys. Many of them are huffing and puffing while I'm trucking along.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

How do the reenactors dress for the current weather conditions? Are there changes in schedules for battles/breaks to avoid heat related illness? Are ice angels now in abundance? Here in Dallas is 106, in Phoenix where my brother works out of, 115!

What precautions do you take?

--BBF

Well Bonnie,

I have read all these posts and wise and sage advice. I offer what my wife and I learned during our years.

No doubt about it … you are going to get hot. Or as my English wife would say "Boiling". I am s sweater so does not matter what I do I am going to be soaked in the Virginia muggy summers.

I am trying to recollect the hottest reenactment we participated in… The weather at 150 at 1st Manassas/Bull Run was a double stinker. High heat and humidity and a wind that blew the dust and heat. I swear to Dog that first day as all the artillery guys sat in the "shade" waiting to match on; the trees and bushes were sweating too. Or perhaps I was already delusional from my hat that was packed with ice. Oi Vey! It was hot action with "Stonewall" riding up and down the artillery waving his sword. I was more concerned with the civilian crowd pressing in within spitting range. WHERE WAS THE SAFETY OFFICER? Changing our scenario in some tent? I think a few people were taken out by being overcome with heat exhaustion.

We always coated up for a skirmish engagement or battle. It's sounds hot and it is but we took countermeasures. I mentioned ice in the hat but that is cumbersome for brain freeze on a cannon - Ah not so much. If asked to coat up in the heat it is okay to just button the top button. Coats and gloves for the artillery guys and gals is safety equipment right up there with a fire extinguisher for mis fires and ugh if you have to get the misfire plumbing kit out.

Okay let's roll… drink lots of water and tell your officers it's time for a water break if you feel faint. We had these jelled bandannas and water and iced them down in our coolers. Around your neck they help for a while. Condition yourself by oh sitting out on your back deck in your duds and soaking up the rays courtesy of our star. Realize that even if you have a fan in your tent you might have a rotten night. Avoid excess coffee and tea and pop drinks . They just dry you out. No beer/wine / spirits while on duty or God forbid on the field. Watch out for your brother and/or sister on the field.

We had our share of hotter than Hades events. And even if it isn't "boiling" what's the point of suffering in those temps that you mention? Concrete tent motel hotel and come back fresh as a daisy in the morning… that could p off some of the old goats who had a bad night but Whatever?

I have seen my share of ambulances leaving re-enactments - mostly heat or heart issues . To my knowledge it has not been from critter encounters. Thankfully the rattlers and copperheads are warm and cozy in their dens. But that's another post.

Safety first and last,
OTC

Spotsy CH

 

[Doc_Ralph]

Well Bonnie,

I have read all these posts and wise and sage advice. I offer what my wife and I learned during our years.

No doubt about it … you are going to get hot. Or as my English wife would say "Boiling". I am s sweater so does not matter what I do I am going to be soaked in the Virginia muggy summers.

I am trying to recollect the hottest reenactment we participated in… The weather at 150 at 1st Manassas/Bull Run was a double stinker. High heat and humidity and a wind that blew the dust and heat. I swear to Dog that first day as all the artillery guys sat in the "shade" waiting to match on; the trees and bushes were sweating too. Or perhaps I was already delusional from my hat that was packed with ice. Oi Vey! It was hot action with "Stonewall" riding up and down the artillery waving his sword. I was more concerned with the civilian crowd pressing in within spitting range. WHERE WAS THE SAFETY OFFICER? Changing our scenario in some tent? I think a few people were taken out by being overcome with heat exhaustion.

We always coated up for a skirmish engagement or battle. It's sounds hot and it is but we took countermeasures. I mentioned ice in the hat but that is cumbersome for brain freeze on a cannon - Ah not so much. If asked to coat up in the heat it is okay to just button the top button. Coats and gloves for the artillery guys and gals is safety equipment right up there with a fire extinguisher for mis fires and ugh if you have to get the misfire plumbing kit out.

Okay let's roll… drink lots of water and tell your officers it's time for a water break if you feel faint. We had these jelled bandannas and water and iced them down in our coolers. Around your neck they help for a while. Condition yourself by oh sitting out on your back deck in your duds and soaking up the rays courtesy of our star. Realize that even if you have a fan in your tent you might have a rotten night. Avoid excess coffee and tea and pop drinks . They just dry you out. No beer/wine / spirits while on duty or God forbid on the field. Watch out for your brother and/or sister on the field.

We had our share of hotter than Hades events. And even if it isn't "boiling" what's the point of suffering in those temps that you mention? Concrete tent motel hotel and come back fresh as a daisy in the morning… that could p off some of the old goats who had a bad night but Whatever?

I have seen my share of ambulances leaving re-enactments - mostly heat or heart issues . To my knowledge it has not been from critter encounters. Thankfully the rattlers and copperheads are warm and cozy in their dens. But that's another post.

Safety first and last,
OTC

Spotsy CH

I just want to clarify that the snakes should be in their dens at Cedar Creek in October. Right now they are out in force I am sure.
OTC

 

[Pollaco]

I recall being given a salt tablet every day during Girl Scout day camps in the summer.

--BBF

Weren't salt tablets discovered to be a dangerous myth?

 

[FedericoFCavada]

At skirmish events I have brought an ice chest with cabbage leaves in it... I figure if it worked for Babe Ruth...

On 4 July doing Texas Revolution stuff and colonial Spanish-era stuff at the Alamo in San Antonio we had a couple youngsters faint out. Their parents hadn't had them drink as much water as they shoud've.

I was just wearing knee-breeches, no stockings, linen leggings/spatter-dashes, my wig, a "redecilla" or hair-bag/net, a hat, a torn muslin shirt open down the front, an all-cotton cravat, and a wool vest open down the front. I got to sit frequently and I was under canvas and in the shade. We did have an older feller go over from the heat, and so we had to get his gear off him and get him inside to drink water. Be careful! Drink copious amounts of water and keep "topping up!"

 

[Bonny Blue Flag]

Polloco, back in the day that was common practice. You are right in regards to current practices. The things we did to our kids "back in the day", and most made it through despite our best efforts!

--BBF

 

[captaindrew]

Polloco, back in the day that was common practice. You are right in regards to current practices. The things we did to our kids "back in the day", and most made it through despite our best efforts!

--BBF

If you listen to today's "experts" it's a miracle any of us are still kicking

 

[Bonny Blue Flag]

If the temperatures remain true to form throughout the upcoming summer times/hot weather times, I surmise reenactments most probably will be moved to cooler months.

--BBF

 

[Sowbelly and Hardtack]

You want to start hydrating before the event. Reenactors should start getting used to the climatic conditions before the event.

Most people don't really understand the importance of hydration and how to hydrate. Click on the following link and read about how the Israeli Defense Forces learned how to hydrate.

Hydration and warfare

While troops with CamelBaks are common sights on the news in broadcasts from Iraq and Afghanistan, I think it might be interesting to take a peek at how we got there. Certainly, it's been well reported in INFANTRY magazine and elsewhere that the U.S. practice of forced watering (not merely drinki...

community.battlefront.com

You've probably heard it before and I will say it again. You want to wear more clothes not less in hot temperatures. The following article should be of interest.

Why Wearing Layers Is the Secret to Staying Cool This Summer | Senior Helpers of Greater Chicagoland

Many seniors can benefit from wearing light layers in the summer. If you think about your daily routine, wearing a moisture-wicking fabric close to your skin can help keep you cooler in the heat of the day.

www.seniorhelpers.com

Civil War soldiers didn't have the luxury of air conditioning or know about hydration. Today's reenactors should consider themselves fortunate.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

If the temperatures remain true to form throughout the upcoming summer times/hot weather times, I surmise reenactments most probably will be moved to cooler months.

--BBF

Hmmm…Yes ma'am that would make sense… some events have a tendency to cluster around the actual dates - Gettysburg & Cedar Creel… others fall into a fighting /camping campaign season.

We did Endview in the winter and of course my wife moaned "I have never been so cold in all of my life" Wrong it was Niagara Falls in the winter. 6 of 1 1/2 dozen of the other. Cedar Creek is ideal but can be windy.

OTC
Spotsy CH

 

[Bonny Blue Flag]

Bayonet, I was the person who was elected to be the babysitter for an older gentleman at a summertime reenactment.

He had a procedure of his heart just the day before....he thought that just sitting outside on a porch in a rocking chair to view all the activities and the battle, in the shade with his wool hat on and open wool coat would be alright vs. physically involved in a busy reenactment. Thank goodness there was an ambulance available for this reenactment. He was transported to the local hospital and admitted.

 

[7thWisconsin]

I participated in 150th Manassas. Hottest event I have ever done. I´m a veteran reenactor and I swear I will never do that again. It was just too much.

 

[Cavalier]

I was just wondering about why most of the Hispanic guys around here, (Central Maryland), that are doing yard work all seem to be completely covered all the time. Nothing shows except the face and hands. American guys are mostly in shorts and T shirts or shirtless. I assume most of these guy are from places where it gets hotter, or at least as hot as anywhere in the U.S.

The only thing I know about Arabs in the desert is what I see in the movies but the same thing seems to apply to them, (as far as I can tell), always completely covered except the face and hands.

Maybe these guys are just acclimated to the heat, or do they know something we don't?

John